How to store your summer clothes and equipment?

As the need for winter clothes is getting greater, you are probably finding your closet to be too small to fit all of your clothes. In order to make some room for your bulky winter jackets and chunky sweaters, it would be wise to empty the closet of all the things you won't be needing in the near future - summer clothes. Storing these items is a great way to organize your closet, and have the things you need at hand, without having to spend hours looking. So, let Capital City Bins give you some advice on how to store your summer clothes correctly.

Some action to take before you go on storing your summer clothes

The best way to start tackling this task is by seeing what you actually have to store. So, to being this process, you should take all of your summer clothes out of your closet and dresser drawers, and place them on a bed or a large table. Emptying your closet will allow you to not only work more efficiently but actually see what you will be working with right away.

Go through your summer clothes inventory, and see what you will be dealing with.Sort all of your summer clothes into three categories:

1. Items you will save
2. Pieces that you will donate
3. Things you will discard

Do not forget to include your summer accessories as well. If you didn't wear or use a certain item during the past season, chances are high you won't use it the next year. You see, you need to be a bit ruthless when it comes to this sorting process. After all, this is just clothes. By getting rid of the things you don't need, you are making room for some future pieces you will have more use of. It would be great if you had some plastic wardrobe boxes for moving at hand, as they will be handy for your piles, whether you plan on storing, donating, or discarding them. They will allow you to move them out of your home promptly and easily.

Addressing the items you will keep and store

Once you have allocated your bunch that will go into storage, see that you carefully inspect each piece. In order to store your summer clothes, and be welcomed with items that are usable, you want to see that they are clean and stain-free before you pack them away. So, see that all the clothing pieces are washed and dry cleaned. And, after they are dry cleaned, see that you remove your items from the dry cleaner's thin plastic bags. These bags trap moisture and can cause mildew and even discoloration. Look for some storage bin rentals, and place your things in there instead.

Donate what you no longer use, and toss what no one can have any use of.

Supplies you will need to store your summer clothes

Properly storing your items calls for proper storing supplies. Here is what we have in mind:

• Sturdy hangers that will not rust or discolor fabrics are a must. You want to stay away from the thin wire hangers that your cleaners provide. If you have any summer jackets you plan on storing, see that you use shaped hangers that will support the shoulders. Hang your skirts and pants by the waistbands, or skirt hangers in order to avoid creases. When it comes to silky fabrics, see that you hang them on padded or flocked hangers. This will prevent them from slipping off during storage.
• Clothing storage bags that you will quickly run through the washing machine. This will remove dust and mold spores. Fabric hanging bags are generally a better option than plastic. The former allows the air to circulate, and thus prevent moisture from building-up and wreaking havoc. Of course, you can always use a 100% cotton sheet or pillowcase to cover hanging clothes. Just make a small cut opening for the hangers to slip through.
• Storage boxes for the belongings that are better folded rather than hung. These can include some light knits or any summer clothes that are particularly sensitive and delicate. Plastic boxes are a better option, as they are water-resistant, in case something were to happen. It would be best that you find the ones made of cast polypropylene. You would line the container with a clean cotton sheet, or acid-free tissue paper. This will keep those fragile items from touching the plastic container, keeping them safe.

If you are interested in cardboard boxes

If for some reason you are more inclined on using cardboard boxes, you ought to ensure they are acid-free. The boxes you find at your local grocery store or liquor store are simply not safe for clothing storage. These boxes are made from wood pulp, which can leach acids, leading to yellowing and stains on your clothes. And let's not forget that the glue used to hold these boxes together can attract insects.

Addressing the storage areas

You might plan on renting a whole storage unit, or simply transferring summer clothes to another closet in your home. Whatever the case may be, you want to clean the storage area you will be using. Be attentive, meticulous, and pedantic when vacuuming to remove dust, dirt, and insects. If you are suspicious of mold, mildew, or insect infestations, it would be best to address that possibility prior to storage. Take steps to kill the mold with a bleach solution, a call for some pest control. You want to store your clothing at a cool, even temperature. See that the area is well-ventilated and away from artificial or natural light. Attics, damp basements, and garages are to be avoided.

See that you store your summer clothes in areas that are clean, safe, and secure.

Last tips to help you store your summer clothes

It would be best that you roll your clothes instead of folding them for storage. Make sure that every box is clearly labeled. Once in storage, see that you don't place anything heavy on your boxes with clothes. As you can see, in order to store your summer clothes, all you have to do is take some time, find some proper supplies and follow this simple guide. Not that hard at all!